2004 Saturn Vue Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Saturn Vue.

20032005
Complaints
360
Crashes
36
Fires
7
Injuries
33
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2004 Saturn Vue Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#153 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:98,727 mi
Fires:1
#244 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:98,712 mi
Crash-related:4
#338 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:78,916 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Saturn Vue.

Electrical Faults
53
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
98,727
Transmission / Drivetrain
44
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
98,712
Automatic Transmission
38
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
78,916
Suspension:Rear
16
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
57,817
Suspension Failures
14
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
101,468
Airbags
13
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
77,084
Electrical System:Ignition
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
82,413
Steering Defects
13
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
109,653
Engine & Cooling
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
78,180
Engine Problems
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
160,565
Headlight/Taillight Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
93,224
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
119,600
Other Equipment
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
46,420
Side/Rear Glass
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
5,982
Air Bags:Frontal
4
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Saturn Vue. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2004 Saturn Vue

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~202,155 vehicles.

14V490000Electrical System:ignition
~202,155 affected

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Other Saturn Vue Years

2004 Saturn Vue — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Saturn Vue reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2004 Saturn Vue has 360 NHTSA complaints, 36 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 53 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Saturn Vue?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (53 complaints, avg 98,727 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (44 complaints, avg 98,712 mi); Automatic Transmission (38 complaints, avg 78,916 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Saturn Vue?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 90,264 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Saturn Vue include 36 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 33 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 202,155 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2004 Saturn Vue?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Saturn Vue reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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